davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
Names of Southern Negroes.

A Yankee friend Of mine in speaking
of the Limekiln club, says
1T is inimitable, only that the names
of the members are so exaggerated" !"
When | VIZ tie her a list of the queer
names that have become so familiar TO
me from much hearing she declared that
she would retract her ropinion of the Lime
kiln names being exaggerated. The ne
groes generally take their names either
from their surroundings or obtain them
from the white people, often mixing up
names in the most incongruous style.
Lilly is the favorite name for the bIackest
pickaninny among them. Our old wash
erwoman named her only child Mary
Mandy Selma Pleasant Delightful. A
bow-legged young descendant of Ham re-
joices in the name of Shadrach Meshach
Abednego--though he is generally known
as Shad
A fond young mother could not decide
what to cali her first son, so in her diem
ma applied to young lady, who told
her TO call him Willipus Wallapus. The
name tickled her fancy, and now
Willipus Wallapus is added to the list
The same negro has since become the
mother of a daughter, and in speaking of
her short time ago, said Il amt sot
on no name for her yit, but III either
call her Queen Victoria or Mrs. Cleve-
land She also has, a stepson, an over
grown fellow of IL or Is, who bears the
sweet name of Rosebud Tab. But per-
haps the most ridiculous names are found
in those of the children of half-witted
negro in Alabama. There are three of
them, named respectively Heaven, He'll
and Moses Smote the Water. A party of
picnicers were very much startled in pass
ing her house one day to hear the follow
ing command "Look hvar, Heaven,
you niggah, You 60 down to Hell and git
dat ar dipper wot dey got down dere."
1t was only after thorough investiga-
ton that she could be understood.-tor
Defroi Free Press
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
A Great Cattle Range.

The great plateau between the Rocky
Mountains and the Sierras, comprising
the territory of Utah and the state of Ne
vada, is apparently destined to become
the greatest cattle range in the country.
Already immense tracts. of land, some
embracing nearly tive hundred and fifty
thousand acres, have been purchased,
and owners of large herds in Texas
and other southwestern states are look
ing for ranges in this wide section of nat
ural pasture lands. The pressure of set
tiers who wish TO engage in agriculture
and found homes upon the lands in the
great fertile plains of the west and south
has been to crowd out the cattle kings
who have for many years monopolized
the largest part of the states which are
by nature better fitted for the raising of
crops than for the pasturage of herds.
Thus there has begun hegira of cattle
men towards the west, which bids fair
to aid materially in the development of
those great sections of country that have
hitherto been left almost exclusively in
the hands of Indians and peripatetic
gold hunters This movement of stock
men toward the west is of great impor-
tance to the people of this coast, for the
region that viii be appropriated by them
is by nature tributary 10 California,
which should be benefited by the estab-
lishment of great moneyed interests in
locality from which up TO this time little
benefit compared with the extent of
country has been derived. The cattle
men are also the precursors of the nus |
who, when country has
become TO some extent settled, would |
readily seek in it opportunities for agri-
culture and it may be confidently ex-
pected that there viii be, before many /
yearsare passed bemore agricultural lands |
discovered in Utah and Nevada than has |
been believed to exist there.-.S,oi Fran
-isco Bulief;n
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
He Showed the Wrong Card.

Al story is told in regard to achristen-
ing in the lower end of the city. Mother,
father and infant were on hand Also
the godfather The good old priest pro-
ceeded with the ceremony until it was
necessary to name the child. The god
father, us usual in such cases, had written
the name on a card, and when the cere-
mony had reached this point he dived
into his vest pocket and handed out one.
The priest took it, glanced over it, and a
look of horror came over his face. The
god father turned as red as the gills of a
turkey gobbler, went down into his pock-
eli again reached out another card, hand
ed it to the priest, and received in return
the one he had given the good map and
the ceremony proceeded without lurther
interruption. The one he had first hand
ed the priest read II am so mewhat ofa
liar myself Transcript.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
Welsh Wisdom.

Three things Of short continaunce-a
lady's love, chip fire, and brook
food.
Three miseries of mans house-a
smokey chimney, dripping roof and a
scolding wife.
Three things that ought never to be
from home-the cat, the chimney and the
housewife.
Three essentials to false story teller
"a good memory, bold face, and fools
for an audience
Three things that are as good as the
best-brown bread in famine, well water
in thirst, and great coat in cold.
Three things that are seen in pea
cock-the garb of an angel, the walk of
a thief. and the voice of the devil.
Three warnings from the grave" Thou
knowest what | was (; thou seest what |
am, remember what thou art to be-
Three things that never become rusty
the money of the benevolent, the shoes
of the butchers horse, and a woman's
tongue.
Three things not easily done-to allay
thirst with fire, to dry wet with water,
and to please all in everything that is
done.
Three things as good as their better
dirty water to extinguish the fire, an
ugly wife to blind man, and wooden
sword to coward.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
An Admirable Ruse.

The man of the world with whom
was strolling stopped before an up town
cafe. A very good restaurant he said
come in and dine with me-" Thanking
him for his courtesy, / yentured 70 say
have hcen in here once or twice. and
while the provender is good and the place
eleanly and quiet, l have been annoyed
by the poor attendanee-yery poor, in
deed" "Oh, thai is easily remedied, he
said We shall have no trouble on that
score come on" As we entered and un-
covered observed that the walters were,
rs usual, slow-coaches and Indifferent.
But when we sat down at our table the
man of the world drew half dollar from
his pocket, laid it before him. and beck
oned to the nearest Ethiopian The
waiter took in the situation at once.
Two gemmen and half dollar. OATS
business. suah - There was no need of
complaint after that The attendance of
that waiter was a model all through the
repast, During his temporary absence
from us | said All right now, but is it
not rather expensive?' Not very" he
replied, as the waiter ranged again be-
tween us good attendance is worth all
it costs" This remark was for the bene-
bit of the waiter, who smiled an alfirma-
tive conspicuously. Everything passed
of admirably. Checks were furnished,
and as we left the table the man of the
world colly pocketed the half-dolIar, in
stead of feeling the waiter. Poor fellow
He looked "paralyzed "-dumbfounded
and chagrined beyond description. and as
we confronted the cashier we heard him
yelling compound order down the hall
and the ages for >am-handwish and
for one p They never
get the start Of me- said the man of the
world, as he gathered up his change. ="
like good attendance, and ,ciH have it. To
be sure, can't play that twice running
in the same cafe this week, but | can cir
'em somewhere else, YOU bet "
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
SOMERSET, PA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE Is, 1887.

to find the girl with the carbine at an
aim, covering the mothers retreat, and
walking slowly backward herself The
rufians were all upset for the moment
Then Cunmerford sprang into the cabin
after the dead mans rife. and when he
reapbeared he brought it TO his face and
commanded the girl, who was by that
time on board the shanty boat and try
ing TO cast of the line, to come ashore
She paid him not the least attention, and
he coolly fred at her head The bullet
drew blood from the edge of her right ear
and in retaliation she picked up the car
bine and fired an off-hand shot, which
killed the man who stood on the right of
Cummerford. The recoil of the heavy
piece knocked her down, but before they
could rush upon her the mother seized an
AK and cut the line, and the boat fioated
away in the current. Cummerford ran
back into the cabin after ammunition,
but before he found it the boat was half
mile below the house, and when he
opened fire the women sheltered them
selves in the cabin As fast as he could
load and fire he fired upon the boat,
hoping that stray shot might wound or |
kill. The girl made no reply until the |
current carried the boat into tree top ON !
the opposite side of the stream Then, |
when the outlaws began to prepare to |
swim or float otto it she opened fire from
the three or four loaded revovers hang
ing in the cabin, and did such good shoot
ing as to force them to abandon the at
tempt.
Had it been coming on dark the two
men would doubtless have found means
to recover the boat and recapture the
women, but the craft had not been de-
tanned more than an hour in the tree-top
when government survey party came
along and were soon in possession of all
the particulars. The women were taken
off, the boat was stripped of its plunder,
and then the structure was given over to
the flames. During this time two men
were landed to hunt for the wretches, but
like the towards they were they left the
locality with all possible speed, and Cum
merford was not heard of again until
killed in fight at Arkansas Post.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
BIESECKER & SNYDER.
SPRING DRESS GOODS THE
TOPIC.

What shall get for my new Spring and sum
mer suit Write our Mail order Department for
samples, aud they win help you anss er the ques-
tion.
our business in Dress Goods Department this
season has already been surprising, but with the
daily arrivals of new goods, the stock and selec-
ton II quite as good a. ever. We make this mat
ter Of assortment and selection feature of our
business, and with the assurance that prices are
right, the customer. although living at distance
and unable 10 come I'M. persOnito do all the pur-
chasing, has nothing 10 risk in ordering by mail
The newest and most desirable goods VIII be
sent upon request, and satisfaction guaranteed
Try sample order You will find this :" shopping
by mail. with reputable house great success
4 few specialties offered this MONTH Wiz
Complete line All-Wo0l Colored Cashmere
stripes-light weight. but medium TO dark colors.
40 inches. 46 cents
Lerge lot all wool fancy Imported Dress Goods
40 inch width, 70 cts, goods reduced from 75e.
Atwood Camesl Hair MiNtpres in Light Greys
and Browns, % in. 81 y cents.
Atwood - IN. Invisible or Pin Head Checks in
spring and Summer Shades at 75c. former price
- al which they were thought good value and
cheap
New Printed Challi's, wool filing in light sum
mer Coiors and weight. 1jc-23 in.
just placed on sale, large assortment OF English
Challis OF Asiatic POnges-2s inches IN width for
mer
iOin CREAM allwool Canvas Cloth at . cts
per yard-the cheapest thing in Dress Goods line
For Street and Travelling costumes we have
placed on sale iiNs shades ofGrey English Mohairs
y inches IN width at be per yard old fashioned
goods revived but very desirable
The offerings IN English French and German
Novelty Suitings bcwildering in extent and
variety-too many to attempt even mention or
description.
Usual silk bargains in Black and Coored silks
and many new ones. Everything in Moire or Wa
tered Goods Is the correct thing. To meet the de-
nand in this direction. we offer
A special Large Line Of Colored Moire Silks
every shade, al 50c for lsin width these are e.
peciRlly cheap Also. COlored Nloires al 81 n -
Il 20 and up to 81 very desirable
Colored khadamcslat aoc. all silk 20 in, not Of
fercd elsewhere below 81 and 81 -.
Dress TriUlInings Buttons, Handkerchief.
Gloves, Notions. Ribbons Rnchings. Jewelry. DC.
Send for Price List and Description of offer
ings of ParasOls and Kid Gloves
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
An Ant Eater.

4 i've ant eater has recently been add
ed to the Philadelphia Geological gard
ems. This specimen is covered with
quills like the porcupine, in this respect
differing frpm the great ant eater. which
has long hair in place of quilts, and,
where the ground is soft, can bury him
self below the surface in an incredibly
short time. Unlike most burrowing ami
mails, he uses all four feet at the same
time, and sinks into the ground in much
the same fashion rs the harlequin at the
pantomine disappears through the stage
on descending trap. He is slow and
awkward OF gait, and as his claws turn
inward, he cannot bear the weight of his
body on the soles of his feet, but must
needs walk on the calIous pads formed
on the back ofthe claws One young one
is brought forth by the ant eater at long
intervals. II attaches itself to its moth
er.s back, and does not quit this position
for more than a year.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
The Hard Lot of Russian Re-
CruitS.

/ had occasion to-day TO pass through
suburban park where large number of
young conscripts were being put through
the goose-step. The drillmaster was a
big man. He thought nothing of step
ping up to the end ofthe line and dealing
two OF three resounding blows on the
faces of eight or ten of the unfortunate
squad. At the next word of command
the result was still unsatisfactory, and the
corporal expressed his displeasure by at
tacking sickly, consumptive-looking
Jewish recruit, striking him with clench-
ed fist full in the ribs. The unfortunate
lad doubled up, and was dragged to the
rear little beyond, where the corporal
of another squad was slowly and deliber-
ately dressing the line by savagely kick
ing the legs and stamping his iron-shod
heels on the toes of the poor recruits. The
thu of the blows and kicks, and the cries
and the groans of the less hardy of the
unfortunate youths, were horrible to
hear--Odessu Letter.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
WHOLE NO. 1874.
Dora's Housekeeping.


One morning Dora's mother was going
away to the next town. She was going
to bring grandma on a visit The car
riage was waiting before she was quite
ready. Now shall not have time to
finish my work" she said "I will let
you sweep the sitting-room, Dora. You
did it very nicely last week. and know
you want TO help me-"
Dora was pouting because she could
not go in the carriage with her mother
She thought il very cruel that she must
stay at home when she wanted to go so
much So she did not answer, but sat
by the window pouting till the carriage
was gone. Then she said to herself: ''I
don I feel like sweeping, and don't care
how | do it. think its too bad that
can't go out TO ride"
So she swept the sittinc-room in very
needless manner She did not get the
dust-pan and take up the litter; she only
brushed it together and left it under the
hearth-rug.
When mother came home she praised
her for making the room so neat. Grand
ma praised her too. She said, like to
see children DO their work well. Then
know they win do their work well when
they grow up. am glad if our little girl
is going to be a good housekeeper"
Oh, how Dora felt She was 50 asham-
ed of what she had done She felt worse
because they praised her. She kept
thinking of the litter under the hearth
rug. She was afraid some one would
move the rug and see it.
She was unhappy all the rest of the
day. When she went to sleep at night
she dreamed that she could not find the
dust-pan.
She woke very early the next morning
and went down stairs alone. She found
the dust pan and brushed the litter up as
carefully as she could. 1t seemed easy
enough now She wished she had done
it at first; then she would have deserved
praise form her mother and grandmoth-
sr.
Dora remembered this for long time.
am not shure she forgot it; it taught !
her a good lesson. She found that wronc.-
ioing male her unhappy. When she
grew older she learned to be a good /
lousekeeper Our Li6Ie Ones.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
She Had Not Half Used The
Checks.

A Chicago bank man who has lovely
wife told pretty good story at his club
the other day by way Of illustrating the
proverbial ways Of women. She had
said to him: Dear, now Pm not going
to ask you for an allowance that is vul-
gar. You put couple of thousands in
the bank to my credit, give me check
book and III run the house, clothe my
self, pay the servants and relieve you of
so much care"
The gentleman was struck with the
idea. "After ALL" he said to himself,
this marriage scrape I've got myself in
to promises to pan out. Dear, good little
womani How thoughtful of her Why,
of corrse" Hebrew check on his bank,
deposited it in another bank to his wife's
individual credit and gave her separate
bank and check-book. Womanlike she
tossed the bank-book into drawer, but
held religiously to the check-book Long
before the month had expired she got
notice from the bank that her account was
exhausted, and the last check had over
drawn it 81 SO. "would she kindly
make a new deposit g''
The lady was in furious fume There
must be something wrong, she knew.
She rored over her check-book, counted
the stubs and the blank checks, and then
she knew that the bank had made a
blunder She donned her new Easter
bonnet and spring wrap and full of spirit
of the occasion and the outrage of the
banks insult sailed into the cashier at
his window.
"What does this notice mean ?" she as
ked in voice quivering with passion.
1t means that your account is over
drawn, madame, that is ALL
1t is not, sir. My husband gave me
check book, and you see yourself that
out of the hundred checks in it | havn't
used fifty There is the book, sir see
for yourself OF course you'll have to
explain this to NJ -. Ineyer was SO in
suited
" But my dear madame, don't you see
you have drawn out all the money TO !
your credit and 81 90 besides"
/ just don't care anything about that.
My husband gave me Il check-book, and |
here less than one half of them are used
DO you mean to say am going TO lose
al of those checks? Well I'll 60 and see
my husband about it. He'll settle you,
sir, and if have any influence with him
md think ! have, both his account and
nine shall go out of this bank Chicago
T.;J,,,,
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
Birds That Help the Farmer.

The material is largely in hand in the
newly organized division of economic or
anthology of the department of agricul-
ture for a series of bulletins upon the
relations of several common species of
birds in this country to agriculture DR..
c. H. Merriam, the head of the division.
places the English sparrow rs chief of
the pests which threaten destruction to
the valuable branches Of agriculture.
This bird, which was imported for the
protection of shade trees from caterpil-
tent rs to become Il greater scourge than
the one it was expected to counteract.
The new territory which it invades is
estimated at more than 10000 square
miles annually, and its destruction of
fruit is almost incompatible. The bobo-
link of the north is found to be helpful
to grain growers, as it lives upon field in
sects and the seeds of destructive weeds,
but in the south its'ravages in the rice
fields are estimated TO cost the planters
from S3000000 to S4O000OO annually.
DIR. Merriam says that ornithologists are
convinced that the services Of hawks and
owls are of great value to farmers. Not
more than three out of upward of thirty
different species prey upon domestic
fowl, and even these more than remu-
nerate the farmer by killing field MICE
The other species live entirely upon field
mice, grasshoppers, beetles, and other
vermin which are great destroyers of
grain. The crow has received considera-
BILE attention from the doctor and his cor
respondent, but the evidence in hand is
not sufficient to warrant verdict So
far as il goes it creates impressions in its
favor 1t is corn thief to be sure, but
its pilferings may be guarded against,
while on the other hand it destroys some
kind of field vermin in great numbers,
to say nothing of its work as scavenger.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15
Several Versions of an Old
Yarn.

A well-known capitalist sat down to
play game of cards with the president
of a railroad company. After the game
was finished the president unfolded care
fully piece of brown paper, wrapped up
the cards and returned them to his pock
ct. A person of SO economical turn of
mind must manage his railroad sagacious-
ly," thought the capitalist, and the same
day he bought thousand shares of the
railroad stock The investment proved
very profitable, for the stock has been
rising ever since.-Harpsr' Wsetig.
Our own information is that HaypT's
Weekly has got this story slightly wrong.
As we understand it, the well-known cap
itaiist, meeting the railroad president on
the cars, asked him If he would take
hand at whist. The railroad president
burst into tears, protested that he didn't
know one card from another, and begged
that he might not be taught. The we'll
known capitalist promptly apologized,
ana dt the next STATION got out anu tcle-
graphed an order for the thousand shares
in question. This account of the trans
action comes to us from an uncle by mar
riage of the first wife of man whose
brother is an intimate friend of a brake
man on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
1t IS only fair to state, however, that in
western railroad circles still another YER
sion Of the matter is current. They af-
firm that the well-known capitalist join
ell the railroad president in a parlor-car
en- route for Chicago. The well-known
capitalist suggested progressive euchre-
An expression of paiu passed over the
face of the railroad president rs he re-
piled I'll give you a thousand shares
of railroad stock if you'll excuse me-. He
was excused on those terms. We present
these several versions as they come to us,
in the interestof the truth of history.